This is a question that is most likely plaguing the minds of many new to the world of Hair Extensions. Fortunately, BHK is here to answer it!

Unprocessed Virgin hair is hair that has been obtained from a donor, wefted with the cuticles aligned, and sold. There has been no processing done to it to achieve a curl pattern or a certain texture. This is what is called “Raw Virgin Hair.” I will be the first to tell you that if you obtain raw hair, it is not pretty upon arrival. Some would even think the hair is no good but should you get a chance to obtain true raw hair, you’ve stumbled on a gold mine. You can see the true beauty of this hair when you do your first wash and treatment of this hair. Most raw virgin hair can be purchased from India. This hair can be dyed, bleached, treated just like your hair because it is hair that is from a donor. Also, I hate to break it to you but that “Virgin” Brazilian, Malaysian, Arabian, or whatever country is the flavor of the day hair that’s being sold these days is most likely Chinese hair that is processed to mimic these patterns. This does not mean that the hair is bad but it isn’t Virgin. Brazil is one of the most beauty conscious countries in the world. Do you think they would be lining up to cut their hair?

Now “Regular Weave” is a more loaded answer. If by regular weave you mean hair that is purchased at your local Beauty Supply Store (BSS) then this hair has been treated to appear the way it does. Many times this is fallen temple hair that has been obtained and wefted without concern of cuticle direction. Unaligned cuticles cause the dreaded “weave bubble.” This is also treated and processed before it is sold so that it looks shiny in the packaging. Fillers are also added to the hair to bulk up the weft. These fillers do contain plastic which is why sometimes, you will see random colored strands or strands of plastic in the package. It will look great for about two or three weeks. After that, the silicon processing done to make the cuticles appear to be aligned will wear off and the hair will begin the look worn. This hair isn’t meant to be dyed or bleached so should you attempt to do so, your hair may not hold up.

Want to test to see if your virgin hair is actually virgin? Burn it! Yes, I said burn it. Real virgin hair will actually burn and turn to ash. If it is not virgin hair, it will melt and most likely, the flame will go out on it’s own. Here’s a video demonstrating the burn test.

The Verdict: If you are a consistent weave wearer, make the investment and purchase higher quality hair. In the end you will save yourself money because you won’t be purchasing new hair with each install and if you take proper care, your extensions will last you a very long time.